PM Modi offers prayers at Jagannath Temple in Puri

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today offered prayers at the 12th century Lord Jagannath Temple here and said he was touched by the warmth and affection shown by the people of Puri.

Modi, who was accompanied by priests and local BJP leaders, spent more than 30 minutes inside the temple and entered the sanctum sanctorum to seek blessings of the Lord.

"This is the first visit of Modi to the temple after becoming Prime Minister. Earlier before the 2014 general elections, Modi had vowed to come here again if his desires are fulfilled. As he has become prime minister, Modi came to express his gratitude to the Lord," said a priest accompanying him.